Physics
Are you curious and imaginative? Do you get a personal satisfaction from solving problems? Do you also enjoy math and analyzing the physical world? Want to solve the mysteries of the universe? Then a degree in physics may be for you.
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Modern society is influenced by physics in countless ways, including recent development in such fields as laser optics, miniaturized electronics, nanotechnology, nuclear energy and medical instrumentation.
Research with Faculty
The physics department at UW-Eau Claire is large, and offers a wider variety of possible research areas for students. This unique opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty in physics research spans the discipline; some examples include: atomic or acoustical physics, materials science, near-IR spectroscopy of planetary nebulae, X-ray spectroscopy of hot stars, computational science research, and planetarium science. There are currently students using the Chandra X-ray telescope that is orbiting Earth, others are using the Synchrotron
Radiation Center just south of Madison, some are writing textbooks and some are working with local companies to improve products.
Innovative Facilities
You’ll have access to the Materials Science Center. No other similar campus in the upper midwest has all of this equipment concentrated in one Center. We can also provide the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborative projects better than most other universities. In addition you’ll have access to a 24-inch reflecting telescope at Hobbs Observatory; no other similar school has such a large telescope for student research projects.
Solid Preparation
Physics majors are well prepared for graduate studies in the following areas: physics, surface science, astronomy, materials science, medical physics, medicine, teaching, engineering, architecture, law. They are also prepared for careers working at: computer companies, planetariums, government laboratories, the military, industry and the Peace Corps.
Suggested freshman curriculum
- Introduction to College
Writing
- Precalculus Math or
Calculus I
- General Chemistry
- Calculus II
- University Physics
- Astronomy-Stars/
Galaxies
- Social sciences or
humanities course
More advising information
Our graduates
Our physics graduates participate in life-changing endeavors like developing methods and tools that diagnose and cure disease; managing traffic flow in large cities; predicting geological phenomena like earthquakes; creating new materials; and developing cleaner fuels for automobiles.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Computer Programmer,
Celestica, Eau Claire, WI
- Astronomer, SIRTF Science
Center, California Institute of
Technology in Pasadena, CA
- Owner, Consulting Firm,
San Francisco, CA
- Quality Engineer and World
Wide Stop Ship Coordinator,
IBM in Rochester, MN
- Physics Teacher,
Palm Beach County, FL
& Cadott, WI
- National Research Council
Research Association, NASA
Johnson Space Center,
Houston, TX
Department contact information
physics@uwec.edu
715-836-3148
